EU Students Application Process

Irish & EEA Students

All full-time EU applicants under the age of 23 must apply using their leaving certificate results through the Central Applications Office (CAO) system. 

The entry requirements for the Bachelor of Business degree programme requires applicants to hold a minimum of 5 passes in the Leaving Certificate O6 /H7 or a High School equivalent. For more information visit the CAO website.

GBS welcomes Leaving Certificate Vocational Programme LCVP Holders and applicants who hold a full FETAC Level 5 award (8 modules). Please apply in the normal way through the CAO system, course code GB001.

Part-time EU students must apply directly to the Galway Business School.

We advise any students who may have any questions on the course or entry requirements to contact us.

English language requirements 

For non-native speakers a minimum IELTS 6.0 or equivalent is necessary. 

All international learners must complete a mandatory 3-week extensive pre-sessional business English course prior to the beginning of all Galway Business School academic programmes. This course will be delivered online for all students to facilitate travel arrangements ahead of the start of the academic year. 

The pre-sessional business English programme will provide you with an intense focus on academic English. You will also gain the analytical tools needed to study a full undergraduate course at Galway Business School.

This is a mandatory requirement and the course will take place in our language school Galway Cultural Institute.

If you're not sure of your level now, you can take this quick online English level test.

Part-time Students 

 Applicants who wish to apply for the part-time programmes must contact the Galway Business School directly at info@galwaybusinessschool.ie

 You will be asked to provide the following documents at the application stage: 

• Complete Application Form Relevant education transcripts 
• Detailed CV – presenting a working history 
• Proof of age – Copy of Identification (Passport/Drivers Licence/Birth Certificate)

Mature students (23+)

Returning to third level education? 

The decision to begin or return to education can be overwhelming, especially if it’s been a while since you’ve sat in a classroom! Galway Business School welcomes applicants from mature students (23+).

A mature applicant is someone who is 23 years or older by January 1st in the year of entry to the programme. There is no upper age limit – we currently have students who range in age from 23 to 56. Every year we welcome approximately 150 new mature students to Galway Business School. 

Mature learners who have been out of formal education for some time benefit hugely from Galway Business School’s small class sizes. This allows learners to be given the support and resources to help them to perform well in attaining the required grades.

Mature applicants must have qualifications and experience deemed equivalent by the College’s QQI approved Recognition of Other Learning (ROL) and Recognition of Prior Experiential Learning (RPEL) policies. 

Mature students can also be considered on the basis of their previous education, work experience and demonstration of their ability undertake the programme.

You will be asked to provide the following documents at the application stage: 

• Detailed CV – presenting a working history
• References Details of any training completed Certificates for qualifications, training courses etc. Professional licenses/registrations or membership of professional organisations 
• Acknowledged accomplishments 
• As part of the application process learners will be asked to attend an informal interview with GBS Academic Staff.